Keep calm and carry on, even in a traffic jam
Traffic congestion is an unavoidable part of driving, especially in busy cities. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and can even be dangerous if you’re not careful.
There’s plenty of advice on how to manage heavy traffic, but it’s just as important to know what not to do when you find yourself stuck in a jam. Avoiding these common mistakes will keep you safer, protect your car, and make the roads more efficient for everyone.
Avoiding a traffic jam in the first place
Most traffic jams aren’t random, they’re highly predictable. Peak hours follow the same pattern every day, and many drivers know exactly where bottlenecks will occur. With a little planning, you can often Most traffic jams aren’t random, they’re highly predictable. Peak hours follow the same pattern every day, and many drivers know exactly where bottlenecks will occur. With a little planning, you can often avoid the worst delays.
Here’s how:
Adjust your schedule:
If you can, leave earlier or later than typical rush hour. If your job allows, work from home on the busiest days.
Plan alternative routes:
Sometimes a slightly longer journey is actually quicker and it helps ease congestion on main roads.
Use smart navigation apps:
Real-time apps like Google Maps or Waze show live traffic updates, alternative routes, and nearby services such as charging stations or fuel stops.
Look ahead and slow down early:
If you see brake lights building up, reduce speed and try to find an alternate route before you get trapped in the jam.
Still, even with the best planning, traffic is sometimes unavoidable. When you’re stuck, it’s crucial to know what not to do.
What to do in a traffic jam
- Stay calm
Frustration won’t make traffic move faster but it can make you more likely to take risks or make unsafe decisions. Stay calm and patient.
- Pay attention
Even at low speeds, you need to stay alert. The constant stop-start motion can easily cause a rear-end collision if you’re distracted for even a second.
- Drive only on the road or marked lanes
Never attempt to bypass traffic by driving off the road unless directed by traffic authorities. It’s unsafe, illegal, and often makes congestion worse. Add accident and emergency services
- Allow space for merging vehicles
Allow space for cars entering from side roads. Smooth merging helps traffic flow better for everyone.
- Leave enough space
Keep a safe following distance. Sudden braking is common in traffic jams, and leaving space helps prevent accidents.
- Stay off your phone
Even in slow traffic, using your phone is dangerous. You could easily roll forward into another car or miss when traffic begins to move again.
- Drive at the speed limit when traffic clears
Once the jam clears, resist the temptation to drive aggressively to make up for lost time. You won’t regain those minutes, and rushing can lead to fines or accidents.
The bottom line
Traffic jams are frustrating, but they’re also predictable and manageable. By planning ahead and avoiding risky behaviours, you’ll reduce your stress, protect your vehicle, and help keep the roads safer for everyone.
